Contemporaries Of Mozart - Symphonies
) | Label: CHANDOS Catalog: CHAN10628 Format: CD London Mozart Players, Matthias BamertKozeluch: Symphony in D major / Symphony in G minor / Symphony in F major Matthias Bamert’s ‘Contemporaries of Mozart’ project is one of Chandos’ longest-running and most successful series. The unquestionable genius of Mozart has tended to eclipse the accomplishments of many other composers who were writing at the same time as he. Many of these composers, successful in their day, suffered neglect in subsequent decades and in some cases were almost forgotten. Matthias Bamert’s series has shown just how rich this area of the repertoire is, and each of the CDs has received superb critical acclaim. This uniquely compiled box set comprises five of the most successful CDs in the series to date (many of the works are poorly represented in the catalogue, if at all) and provides an ideal introduction to the repertoire – at bargain price. Each CD offers a wealth of classically elegant melodies wrapped up in imaginative orchestration. Reviews: Krommer: ‘Franz Krommer was a prolific and very good composer, whose music is now being resurrected with great and deserved success… The two works are well worth recording, especially with such felicitous performances and bright, pleasing recorded sound.’ ***** H.C. Robbins Landon, BBC Music Stamitz ‘…this excellently played sample of Stamitz’s symphonic output is especially welcome… These stylish performances make a strong case for a comprehensive recorded survey of this repertoire.’ NAR, Gramophone ‘Add to this the rich Chandos recording and you have an issue that is unsurpassed.’ American Record Guide Pleyel: ‘Matthias Bamert and the LMP continue their “Contemporaries of Mozart” series with this fascinating illustration of Pleyel’s considerable symphonic skill… Finally, these musicians savour the dramatic exploitation of major and minor in Pleyel’s D minor Symphony, with vivid instrumental clarity enhancing the music’s natural vitality. Concerto-style brilliance in the last movement provides a thrilling conclusion.’ ***** Nicholas Ruse, BBC Music Kozeluch: ‘Top-flight performances and demonstration sonics – another major landmark in Bamert’s ongoing series.’ ***** Michael Jameson, BBC Music ‘The performances from the London Mozart Players are spirited and elegantly wrought and the recorded sound firstrate.’ Richard Wigmore, The Daily Telegraph Wranitzky. ‘I hope readers will try it. Certainly I cannot imagine better advocacy for it than this recording, under the alert and sensitive direction of Matthias Bamert who secures some excellent playing from the London Mozart Players, not least the player for the little viola solo in the last movement.’ Stanley Sadie, Gramophone  Price: $48.98 |